As the leaves change colors and the air grows crisp, it’s time to start thinking about the most wonderful time of the year: Thanksgiving. And what better way to celebrate than with a plate full of delicious cookies? This holiday season, why not try something new and exciting with one (or several!) of these 18 festive Thanksgiving cookie recipes?
From classic pumpkin spice to sweet potato marshmallow treats, we’ve got you covered with our round-up of the tastiest and most creative Thanksgiving cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, there’s something on this list for everyone.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these mouthwatering recipes, sharing tips, tricks, and inspiration to make your Thanksgiving cookie exchange (or personal indulgence) truly unforgettable.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies are a perfect treat for fall, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. A seasonal twist on classic sugar cookies, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, followed by cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Stir in vanilla extract.
Maple Glazed Pecan Shortbread Cookies
These buttery shortbread cookies are elevated by a sweet and sticky maple glaze, topped with crunchy pecans for added texture. Perfect for a special treat or as a unique gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Maple glaze (see below)
Maple Glaze:
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. Fold in chopped pecans.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Drizzle with maple glaze and let set before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Apple Cider Snickerdoodles
These soft and chewy cookies combine the classic flavors of snickerdoodles with the autumnal warmth of apple cider, perfect for a cozy fall treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups white granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 3 tablespoons cinnamon-sugar (a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then stir in apple cider and cinnamon-sugar.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these sweet and tangy cookies, bursting with cranberry flavor and a hint of orange zest. Perfect for gift-giving or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the warmth of brown butter with the comfort of pumpkin and the indulgence of dark chocolate chips. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, browned (see note)
– 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream browned butter, sugars, pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Spiced Molasses Cookies with Vanilla Drizzle
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these soft, chewy cookies infused with the warmth of molasses and spices. A drizzle of creamy vanilla takes them to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Vanilla Drizzle:
1. Whisk together 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp heavy cream until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cookies, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet Potato Cookies with Marshmallow Frosting
Sweet Potato Cookies with Marshmallow Frosting: A Delicious Twist on Classic Snacks
These sweet potato cookies are a unique treat that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the gooey goodness of marshmallows. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, these cookies are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Marshmallow frosting (recipe below)
Marshmallow Frosting:
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting with Marshmallow Frosting.
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are infused with the warmth of cinnamon and topped with a sweet glaze, making them perfect for snacking or as a gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.
7. Drizzle with sweet glaze (confectioners’ sugar mixed with milk) and dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramel Stuffed Apple Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with these chewy treats filled with gooey caramel and crunchy apple pieces. Perfect for a cozy evening or a sweet treat on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apple (Granny Smith or Gala work well)
– 1/2 cup caramel bits (such as Caramello or Milky Way)
– Optional: sea salt for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in flour mixture, then fold in chopped apple and caramel bits.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Pecan Pie Cookies with Butterscotch Chips
These soft-baked cookies combine the rich flavors of pecans and butterscotch for a unique treat. Perfect for snack time or as a gift, these chewy morsels are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then stir in pecans and butterscotch chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Gingerbread Turkey Cookies
These adorable gingerbread turkey cookies are a perfect treat for the holiday season. With their sweet and spicy flavors, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Colored icing and edible markers for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes (turkey silhouettes or traditional gingerbread men).
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with icing and markers (if using).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Harvest Spice Oatmeal Cookies
Warm up with the comforting aroma of freshly baked oatmeal cookies infused with the cozy flavors of fall. These Harvest Spice Oatmeal Cookies are perfect for a crisp autumn morning or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones.
Ingredients:
• 2 1/4 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of dried cranberries, making them a perfect treat for any time of year. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying these delicious cookies in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Sandwich Cookies
These soft and chewy sandwich cookies combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of snickerdoodles, creating a unique and tasty treat perfect for fall gatherings or holiday cookie exchanges.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin puree and eggs.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass rim.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Maple Bacon Cookies with Brown Sugar Glaze
Elevate your baking game with these addictive Maple Bacon Cookies, perfectly balanced by a rich Brown Sugar Glaze. The smoky sweetness of the maple syrup and crispy bacon pairs surprisingly well with the chewy cookies.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 large egg
– Brown Sugar Glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in maple syrup and egg.
4. Stir in crumbled bacon and flour mixture until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Brown Sugar Glaze:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tbsp heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Cookies
Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffing Cookies: A Delicious Way to Repurpose Holiday Leftovers!
These sweet and savory cookies are the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving stuffing, adding a new dimension to your holiday leftovers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a tasty treat that’s sure to become a new tradition.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover Thanksgiving stuffing
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine stuffing, flour, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. If using pecans, fold them into the dough.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies
This recipe combines the comforting flavors of chai spices with classic sugar cookies, perfect for a cozy treat any time of the year. The blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger will transport you to a warm and inviting place.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and chai spices until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the warmth of cinnamon with the crunch of caramel and the sweetness of apples, perfect for a cozy treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– 1/4 cup caramel bits (or chopped caramel candies)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the diced apples.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and caramel bits until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweetest part of Thanksgiving with these 18 festive cookie recipes! From classic flavors like pumpkin and apple cider, to creative twists like maple glaze and caramel stuffing, there’s something for everyone on this list. Try your hand at making gingerbread turkey cookies or white chocolate cranberry treats, or stick to tried-and-true favorites like snickerdoodles and sugar cookies. With a range of flavors and textures to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect cookie to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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